Are You Living Your Life The Nerdist Way?

Before I ever found The Nerdist Way,I’d done my fair share of personal development reading. I was kicked into starting those books because of my profession. I got into fitness in 2004 when I decided I’d simply had enough of being unhealthy and overweight. When I had success, I wanted to help others. But, you see, that’s a touchy subject for a lot of people and it takes a much deeper understanding of the human psyche to really get into WHY people will want to change themselves for the better. That’s what this book is really about, anyways. It’s about staying true to who we are, but becoming BETTER, accomplishing wonderful things with our lives, and discovering what our own definition of what successful is to us. I can tell you, first hand, that everything this book discusses can work and will work for you to improve your life. I’m living proof.

A friend of mine recommended that I read The Nerdist Way a while back, so I bought it… and then I lost it. (D’oh!) I searched frantically but didn’t find it, so I decided to get it again, but this time as an audiobook. I’m kind of glad that happened, because the audiobook is amazing. I totally recommend it because Chris Hardwick is an amazing narrator and will have you enlightened, pondering, reflecting, and laughing your ass off. Of course, I went out and re-bought the paperback as well (because I’m a multi-dimensional learner). The book is written very much in a way that most nerds’ inner dialogue already works, so you’ll be thoroughly entertained if reading, but I still think listening to Chris is full of win.

I cannot say enough good things about this book (unless you are sensitive to saucy language, in which case it may not be for you)! Chris takes you through his own story and life journey, from loser to super success! Yay! It’s divided into three portions, focusing on mind, body, and time. Read these in order! They are designed that way for a purpose. If you don’t conquer your mind first, the rest of the book will be a challenge because your mind won’t want you to do anything.

The process of reading this will force you to learn a little bit more about yourself, and have a deeper understanding of your dreams and desires and how to make things start to happen in your life. “But how does reading a book change my life?” Well, young Padawan, you can’t simply read words and expect a magic spell to cast over your life and make it all better. Throughout The Nerdist Way, Chris has exercises (or “charactercizes”) for you to do. DO THEM. We are nerds, right? We love action movies. Action. We need to take action and do the charactercizes to really start to apply change to our lives. If you simply read words, magic will not happen to change your life without work as much as us nerds wish that were possible. Otherwise, you might as well just use the book for a Mountain Dew coaster while you whittle away hours playing video games. (Stupid magic being fake!) Oh yeah, and those parts that focus on body? Guess what? This fitness nerd is super happy that Chris is on her side when it comes to getting more people healthy! Don’t be afraid, these sections are really good, and you’ll gain an understanding of why this is such an important part of the process.

As someone who has gone through this process time and time again (because we are truly never done developing and improving ourselves), I can tell you that, when applied, it works! My life has gone from kind of sad to totally awesome! Some people may say, “Whatever, you’re just lucky.” You know what? Luck doesn’t exist. Luck is created based on how you approach the circumstances you are faced with in life. I encourage you to pick up this book and challenge your life to a duel, and then fight to win!

As you read and apply the book, go easy on yourself. Take it a bite at a time and realize that change doesn’t happen overnight. Be proud of the small improvements you make, and strive to continue to make those improvements as time carries you on. Heck, read this book more than once (I have)! Consistently update your goal sheet and Character Tome. Never stop believing in yourself. As Chris says, “Commit yourself to growth and reward yourself with kindness for choosing to do so.” And the nerd shall inherit the Earth.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

4 Comments

Jeremy GNovember 16th, 2012 at 12:53 pm

I just picked it up on my kindle. I don’t usually enjoy reading self help books, but this sounded like one I could get behind. Even if I don’t use the techniques it still sounded like an interesting read.

Annette BjorlingNovember 16th, 2012 at 9:31 pm

This is a great book review of a great book! Thanks, Melanie!
Yes, this book is very inspiring – and FUN to read (or to listen to, if you get the audio version).

But in addition to this/a/any book, it is important for me that ‘real life’ people are inspiring to me.
In this case, although I have never met Chris Hardwick in person, I feel I know him, because I listen to his podcast a lot 🙂 So I take his advice more personally. Also he touches so many feelings/memories/experiences which come close to my own.

Additionally, it was you, Melanie, whom I do know (and happily & gratefully so), who initiated me to read this book, and to do the Charactersizes etc. You are inspiring in so many ways. Thank you again very much.
Yes. let’s strive to live our life the Nerdist Way!!

PeavesNovember 17th, 2012 at 10:16 am

Will read this. Chris Hardwick’s journey is pretty cool. I enjoy his work…. thanks for the book review!